NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Second-degree burns are characterized by damage that extends through the epidermis into the dermis, leading to specific symptoms that align with the understanding of burn classifications. The presence of blisters and pain is a hallmark of this type of burn, as the damage to the skin layers exposes nerve endings and causes inflammatory responses. Blisters form as fluid collects between the layers of skin, which is a protective mechanism that helps prevent infection and allows the area to heal.

The pain associated with second-degree burns can vary in intensity but is generally significant, due to the nerve endings being more exposed in the damaged dermis. This contrasts with the symptoms associated with more severe burns, where nerve endings may be destroyed, leading to a lack of sensation.

The other symptoms listed in the options do not accurately reflect what one would expect with a second-degree burn. White, leathery skin typically indicates a third-degree burn, while minimal damage to the epidermis would describe a first-degree burn. Additionally, the absence of sensation due to dermal damage usually pertains to third-degree burns, where nerve endings are destroyed, making the area numb rather than painful.